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STARS OF HIT BRITISH COMEDY SHOW "LITTLE BRITAIN" TO HEADLINE NEW HBO COMEDY SERIES
LOS ANGELES, July 12, 2007 - Matt Lucas and David Walliams, the
stars of the smash-hit BBC comedy "Little Britain," will headline a new
HBO comedy series, it was announced today by Carolyn Strauss, president,
HBO Entertainment. Executive produced by Simon Fuller (creator and
executive producer of "American Idol"), and longtime personal managers
and award-winning producers Larry Brezner and David Steinberg, the six
half-hour episodes of the new show will begin shooting in the U.S. this
fall, with debut slated for 2008.
"We're always looking for innovative performers, and Matt Lucas
and David Walliams are two of the most exciting new comedy voices to
emerge in recent years," noted Nancy Geller, senior vice president, HBO
Entertainment. "The combination of Simon Fuller, who has an amazing
track record in exporting British talent - encompassing everything from
creating the Spice Girls to bringing David Beckham to Los Angeles - and
Larry Brezner and David Steinberg, who have brought their remarkable
comedy expertise to HBO by producing specials for Robin Williams and
Billy Crystal, among many others, is sure to produce a terrific series
for our subscribers."
"The new series will be a sketch show set in contemporary
America," explained David Walliams. "We are taking some existing
characters and writing new material for them, as well as introducing new
characters and ideas. We're very keen to take 'Little Britain' to as
wide an audience as possible, so we're looking forward to working in the
States."
"We have grown up with huge respect for American comedy, so
going to work there with HBO, which is the home of some great talent,
will be a great experience for both of us," said Matt Lucas.
"Matt and David have created something original and definitive
in 'Little Britain'," observed Simon Fuller. "The show is an absolute
smash everywhere it is seen, and I am certain it is going to be loved by
a US TV audience as well."
The "Little Britain" TV series became an instant hit when it
debuted on BBC Three in 2003, and grew in popularity when seen on BBC
One. The show featured Lucas and Walliams playing a variety of
recurring characters in sketches that spoof contemporary life in Britain.
The series will be produced by HBO Entertainment in association
with 19 Entertainment and MBST (both CKX Inc. companies) and Little
Britain; executive producers are Simon Fuller, Larry Brezner, David
Steinberg and Matt Lucas & David Walliams.
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